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What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Nashville?

You generally need the services of an electrician for electrical-related needs, especially for your safety and efficiency considerations. However, other serious situations you should consult an electrician include when you notice:

• Electrical sparks or shocks
• An unexplainable spike in electricity usage
• Fishy odors
• Faulty circuit breakers
• Flickering lights and other abnormal situations

These typically underscore a more serious, safety-related issue. However, note that electrical jobs in Nashville must comply with the Nashville Electrical Code. The Code prescribes rules, requirements, and standards for electrical jobs, including the quality of materials for such jobs and other administrative considerations, amongst other things. The provisions of the Code are mandatory, and you risk incurring administrative penalties for non-compliance. As such, you should always confirm your prospective electrician is familiar with this Code and have the skills to ensure compliance.

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Nashville?

Interested persons or businesses intending to operate as electricians in Nashville must obtain an electrical license from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC), which regulates professionals across Nashville and other cities in Tennessee. The Board classifies electrical licenses into two types, depending on the value of work the prospective licensee intends to undertake. Operating without a license is a Class A misdemeanor, and the Board may issue civil penalties of up to $1,000 for each violation, besides other penalties. State-licensed electricians must further register their licenses with the Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety (DCBS).

Working with an unlicensed electrician puts your project at risk. Amongst other things, city authorities may stop the project. You may confirm your electrician's license through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance's (TDCI) License Search and Verification portal or contact the DCBS at (615) 862-6500 to verify their registration with the city.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Nashville?

Nashville Electricians charge hourly rates falling between $23 and $27. These rates mostly cover labor, with final rates encompassing other considerations. Factors influencing an electrician's final rates include:

• The jobs complexity
• Safety considerations
• Permit costs
• The electrician's experience, skill, and reputation
• Necessary equipment

A good way to find the average rate for your specific project is to compare estimates from at least three contractors. This makes budgeting easier, and you can also spot fraudulent electricians with questionable estimates and avoid them.

Are You a Master Electrician in Nashville?

The TBLC issues two types of electrical licenses, each stipulating what value of work the license holder is entitled to undertake. The licenses are:

• Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE): this license enables the license holder to bid for jobs and projects valued at less than $25,000.
• Electrical Contracting (CE): Electricians with this license can bid for and execute projects valued at $25,000 or more.

Note that Nashville only recognizes CE licenses and may not register an LLE license. Interested persons may contact the DCBS at (615) 862-6500 to confirm this. Also, anyone interested in obtaining a CE license must satisfy certain licensing requirements, including passing a professional exam, maintaining valid insurance policies, and providing referees. The TBLC is reachable at (615) 741-8307 for licensing-related inquiries and can assist with license application processes.

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Nashville?

Besides a few electrical projects, such as the maintenance or repair of low-voltage wiring, most electrical jobs in Nashville require a permit. The DCBS issues these permits upon a successful application, and only licensed and registered electricians can submit permit applications.

Prospective applicants can apply for a business permit online through the Nashville ePermits portal or in person by visiting the Department at:

For in-person applications, applicants must book an appointment with the Department first. An applicant may book an appointment via email or by calling the DCBS at (615) 852-6500. The DCBS also addresses permit-related inquiries through the same number.

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Nashville?

Nashville electricians offer several services, including new electrical installations, fixtures and equipment maintenance, and general electrical repairs. Below are some of these services with their cost estimates:

Note that some electricians prefer to specialize in offering certain services. As such, always confirm that your electrician offers or specializes along the lines of your needed service.

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Nashville?

Nashville Electricians typically handle jobs they undertake personally or ensure they assign such jobs to their staff members if you engage a company. However, it is also common for these electricians to outsource such jobs partly or fully, especially for highly specialized parts of the job or where the project has time constraints. Therefore, it helps to confirm with your electrician if they will be outsourcing your job. If so, you should demand information on the subcontractors so you know those working on your project. Ideally, ensure that they are licensed, insured, have the relevant skill and experience, and will obtain lien waivers protecting you and your project.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Nashville Electrician?

Electricians with a contractor license are required at the state level to maintain general liability and workers' compensation insurance. While electricians with an LLE license do not have insurance as a license requirement, they are required by state law to maintain workers' compensation insurance if they have five or more employees. Likewise, electricians at the city level must maintain general liability insurance with a $300,000 minimum amount and a permit bond with a minimum amount of $40,000.

Therefore, you should confirm whether your preferred electrician has satisfied these requirements to ensure they have complied with relevant laws. You can confirm your electrician's license and bond by asking for the relevant certificates and double-checking with the issuing organization or company.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Nashville?

A warranty is a guarantee from your electrician that their service will meet agreed standards and quality. This is usually in writing and lasts for a year, with possible extension. Most reputable electricians in Nashville offer warranties, so you should consider it a red flag if your electrician hesitates or refuses to provide one.

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your Electrical Services in Nashville?

The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is the agency primarily responsible for handling complaints involving contractors, including electricians. Residents or project owners who have experienced unethical or unprofessional behavior from their electrician or have unresolved issues with such electrician can submit a complaint to the TDCI. Interested complainants can submit their complaints online through the TDCI's CORE platform.

Also, the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs (TDCA) handles similar complaints, and you may submit a complaint to this Division online. This Division is also reachable at (615) 741-4737 for complaint-related inquiries.